As a Nurse Practitioner for Neuroblastoma Developmental Therapeutics, my role is to coordinate care for children with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. I provide consultations to physicians, nurses and families in order to meet the complex needs of both hospitalized and ambulatory patients with neuroblastoma. I manage the care of patients on investigational trials both while here in Philadelphia and when they travel back to their home institutions in order to provide them with seamless, comprehensive care.

I especially enjoy the close bonds that I am able to develop with patients and families as I help them to navigate their journey through the cancer experience.

Over the 16 years that I have worked in pediatric oncology, I have learned to never let anything surprise me. Children have an amazing way of enjoying life even when dealing with a life-threatening illness. I am humbled by all that they have taught me and continue to teach me every day.

I have presented posters and lectures that focus on all aspects of neuroblastoma, from diagnosis through recurrence and investigational therapies. My research interests lie in neuroblastoma and the investigational treatment options available to this population of patients.

Posters and Presentations

2012

Targeted Radiotherapy for Neuroblastoma – presented at the Advances in Neuroblastoma Treatment Conference in Toronto, Canada

Targeted therapy for Neuroblastoma – focused on new pharmacologic agents being used for neuroblastoma treatment – presented at The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Annual Conference

2011

Saggio J, Baniewicz D. Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma: how did we get here? Why are we doing it? What's on the horizon? [oral presentation]. The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses 35th Annual Conference; Anaheim, CA